Gianvi and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2011

For Birth Control "I first want to say that I read a bunch of reviews before starting Gianvi and became extremely nervous because of all the negativity. However, my experience has been absolutely wonderful, with only one complaint. I am on my third pack and am having the best periods of my life. Little cramps, no bloating, no mood swings, light flow, AMAZING! My mood overall has also been very positive. I'm much less stressed and don't feel as anxious. As for my skin, like my doctor said, it did break out very badly at first, but it is clearing up. Also, my breasts have gotten noticeably bigger, which I love. My one and only complaint is I tend to be dry during sex, which has never been a problem before. But hey, there are things to help with that."

• Ano...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2019

For Acne "The Gianvi pill is the best of the best for acne! I had painful cysts for almost 20 years, and absolutely nothing worked. They wanted to put me on spironolactone, but my blood pressure is too low to take it. Gianvi was basically my last hope. It cleared the cysts themselves quickly, and then I had to go on a prescription cream to get rid of the scarring. My skin is now completely clear, and I even get comments about it. However, a huge downside to the pill: I have no sex drive at all. All I feel when I have sex is friction. It's awful. Now that I'm almost 40, I'm talking with my doctor about alternatives."

• KCa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I switched to this after taking Yaz for years due to cost. Under the Affordable Health Care Act, BCBS offered me Gianvi for free, whereas I had to pay $50 for Yaz. After 6 months, I'd pay anything to switch back. Since going on Gianvi, I've seen considerable weight gain (some attributable to lifetime changes), but I now experience uncontrollable bouts of anger that near the level of rage. My sex drive is virtually non-existent, and my skin isn't nearly as clear as it was on Yaz. I switched back as of today. The only upside... after dealing with my increasingly awful personality for the past few months, my boyfriend is still around. Guess the Gianvi was confirmation that man really does love me!"

• Bri...
• June 4, 2015

For Birth Control "Confident with relying on it as the only form of birth control. Breasts got bigger but gained no weight in the stomach/thigh area. Loss of sex drive in the first month, but after that, it went back to normal. I love this pill, no mood changes at all. Cleared my face and works amazing."

• eh2...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Gianvi for about 2 years and have recently gotten off of it. The first 5 to 7 months, I felt quite emotional/anxious, I also went up about 1 cup size, and my skin was perfect. However, it did prevent pregnancy, so I'm thankful for that. It also decreased the heaviness of my cycle. And it was free with BCBS! About 1.5 years in, I began noticing that I had vaginal dryness and my libido was super low as well. Since I was so dry, sex started becoming very painful, and it seemed like no amount of lube could help. It has been just over 2 years, and I have decided to get off Gianvi for a few months to see if my problems disappear. So far, it has been about 1 week, and I feel really good. To anyone reading this post, I suggest you always listen to your body and find an understanding provider who can help you create a plan that you both agree on. Good luck!"

• eh2...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Gianvi for about 2 years and have recently gotten off of it. The first 5 to 7 months, I felt quite emotional/anxious, I also went up about 1 cup size, and my skin was perfect. However, it did prevent pregnancy, so I'm thankful for that. It also decreased the heaviness of my cycle. And it was free with BCBS! About 1.5 years in, I began noticing that I had vaginal dryness and my libido was super low as well. Since I was so dry, sex started becoming very painful, and it seemed like no amount of lube could help. It has been just over 2 years, and I have decided to get off Gianvi for a few months to see if my problems disappear. So far, it has been about 1 week, and I feel really good. To anyone reading this post, I suggest you always listen to your body and find an understanding provider who can help you create a plan that you both agree on. Good luck!"

• sad...
• February 24, 2020

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "This pill was great for the first couple of months. My acne cleared, which was a problem due to my PCOS, and my periods were finally regular. I could feel these mood swings coming on, but I felt like a demon. This all hit me full force after I passed the third month. I was irritated at the smallest things, zero libido, it was an out-of-body experience. My self-esteem plummeted to where I never wanted to even look at myself, severely depressed and anxious, which I have not struggled with in the past, and gained 15 pounds out of nowhere. I couldn’t go an hour without crying. One day I almost had to pull over while driving because I couldn’t breathe. The way these hormones hit me was a nightmare, I am never ever going back to the pill. I’ve done too much trial and error for this, it’s not worth my mental health/state of mind. One week off of it and I feel like myself again, thank goodness. Avoid Gianvi if you want to keep your brain the same!!!!"

• raw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2019

For Acne "GREAT for acne! Acne cleared up within a month of using the pill. I have been on Gianvi for about 6-7 months and overall had a good experience with it. No mood swings, hair loss, or weight gain. Periods are extremely light and no cramps. The only bad thing about this pill, and also the reason why I will be switching to an IUD, is because I have NO SEX DRIVE. Having sex is painful, and I am disinterested in having sex. My boyfriend and I have sex less frequently, and it usually ends shortly because I am in pain. Vaginal dryness and also chronic yeast infections! I have had about 4 yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis after getting on this pill, and I am sure that it is not just a coincidence. Very sad because besides this problem, I really liked the benefits of the pill."

• raw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 8, 2019

For Acne "GREAT for acne! Acne cleared up within a month of using the pill. I have been on Gianvi for about 6-7 months and overall had a good experience with it. No mood swings, hair loss, or weight gain. Periods are extremely light and no cramps. The only bad thing about this pill, and also the reason why I will be switching to an IUD, is because I have NO SEX DRIVE. Having sex is painful, and I am disinterested in having sex. My boyfriend and I have sex less frequently, and it usually ends shortly because I am in pain. Vaginal dryness and also chronic yeast infections! I have had about 4 yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis after getting on this pill, and I am sure that it is not just a coincidence. Very sad because besides this problem, I really liked the benefits of the pill."

• Gog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 9, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "First off, I'd like to state that before I got on birth control, I had HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE cramps! I mean completely miserable! But after I got on Gianvi, my miserable, horrible cramps are gone. Yeah, I may have some minor pains here and there, but at least I can still function and make it to my classes! Also, I've noticed that my weight hasn't changed at all. I'm just happy that I don't become sad and miserable when my period comes. One negative would be that my sex drive has decreased. But hey, it is called 'birth control.'"

• Meh...
• April 10, 2014

For Menstrual Disorders "I started taking birth control to treat painful periods, and this did get rid of the super painful cramps, and I did not get pregnant while taking it, so it was effective. However, while on this, my anxiety became worse than it had ever been before, and my sex drive completely vanished. I noticed my sex drive return about one month after I discontinued Gianvi."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I took this birth control for about 4 months at first. I have a history of anxiety and depression, and I don’t remember having it be exacerbated when I first started, but after a couple of months on this pill, I started having extreme mood swings, irritability, crying spells, and a lower libido. I went off of it for almost 2 months and felt stable and not depressed. I recently tried to go on it again because I totally had amnesia about how horrible I felt on it towards the end, but I have felt horrible, irritable, anxious, and depressed since I started 3 weeks ago. I stopped taking it a week ago, and I feel like my body and hormones are going haywire, so I am hoping that I feel better soon. I have tried multiple oral contraception pills, and I will probably not be trying another one."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2011

For Birth Control "The only reason I would rate this a 5 is because it has prevented pregnancy, but since I started Gianvi 6 months ago, I have been depressed, irritable, angry, unmotivated, and absolutely NO SEX DRIVE. This may be why this pill works so well."

• Ana...
• July 22, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I first started with a low hormone pill called Azurette. I was having heavy periods that lasted for a week and terrible acne, so I decided to try Yaz, and my doctor prescribed me Gianvi. The first month, my face was completely clear, and my period used to last 3 days max, but my anxiety and mood changes got worse, and my sex drive went from 10 to zero because I was very dry. I also noticed my skin got really dry too, and I looked like a 60-year-old lady!"

• btl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my third and final update - good news! - just make it through the first pack and a half! My body completely acclimated after that, and I feel totally normal again. After getting back into a regular workout routine again, the pills' emotional and physical effects gradually lessened. I do still have some breast sensitivity, light bloating, and, as of recently, a lower sex drive, but I'm not the raging, depressed, lethargic mess I was a month ago, lol. My advice - the first month and some is going to suck; I felt physically and emotionally so out of whack, I wanted to give up 3-5 times a week, but GIVE IT TIME. Give your body a solid month and a half to adjust and then make the decision to stick with it or move on."

• AMb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I used Yaz for years with no problems, but Gianvi made me moody, depressed, and seriously suicidal. Once I made the connection that my depression and suicidal thoughts were from the pill, I stopped immediately. Sure enough, two days later, I felt cheerful and fine. I also noticed this pill gave me zero sex drive-so maybe it is really effective birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2018

For Acne "I am almost done with my first month of Gianvi. I have tried just about everything for my moderate cystic acne and am sad to say it has so far gotten worse on this medication. I have a history of minor depression/anxiety but have been happy and unmedicated until starting this pill. Since starting this pill, my anxiety has skyrocketed and my sex drive has decreased big time. I am 2 days away from the sugar pill and debating whether or not to stop taking it."

• xKa...
• May 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Gianvi for about 4 months now, and at first, I really enjoyed it. Now I'm feeling nauseous, my breasts are swollen and painful, and I've had a headache every other day for a month. I've also noticed a slight weight gain, and I'm moody as hell, not to mention my sex drive is gone. I'm so frustrated, I want off this pill and back on my old one, Ocella. I'm calling my doctor and demanding to switch back so I can stop being a monster and enjoy my sex life with my fiancé again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 15, 2013

For Birth Control "Gianvi gave me lighter and shorter periods, clear face, no cramps, no weight gain, and no spotting. The only bad things I have to say are that I was dry during sex sometimes (not sure if the pill was to blame), and I had very slight increased irritability (not severe enough to affect my life). I switched to Junel FE a week ago because I needed the extra iron, but if that doesn't work too well with my body, I will definitely switch back to Gianvi. Overall, it was a good pill for me."

• Anonymous
• January 17, 2012

For Birth Control "I switched to Gianvi from Aviane in hopes of clearing up my acne. I was VERY excited because Yaz is supposed to be a miracle. My experience was far from a miracle. My skin did not clear up AT ALL and got worse. I'm a freaking irrational hothead all month. I'm usually very good at shrugging off the small stuff, but it's like I have absolutely no control over my emotions anymore. I've become very lethargic; I could sleep all day if you'd let me. My once raging sex drive is now hardly existent. On the bright side, it did work strictly as birth control (hence the 4 rating). I've already made an appointment to switch."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2015

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I was diagnosed with PMDD after talking to my new OB-GYN. I told her about how large, swollen, and painful my breasts have become in my late 20s. My bras would not fit for 2 weeks a month. The mood swings were there, but it was mostly out of how self-conscious and uncomfortable I was with my large breasts and body water weight for 2 weeks every month. It was awful PMS. This birth control definitely helped! My breast size has since decreased, and they don't swell like they used to! I will say my sex drive has decreased... I don't feel up for it like I did before I went on BC. But it's not terrible!"

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

For Birth Control "I have been taking Gianvi for about a year now. The first three months I felt fine, once in a blue moon, I would experience nausea. But after the first three months, my body was completely used to it. It was the first birth control I've ever taken. My gyno recommended it to me because she herself had been taking it for 12 years. So I trusted her opinion completely, and I'm glad I did. While taking Gianvi, I gained 6 pounds. I needed it though, and it all went to my breasts and bottom. I have grown a full cup size, and my bottom looks good. Nothing went to my waist or face. My sex drive has severely gone down though, and I cry at the drop of a dime. Both developed after taking this, but I'm willing to work on these things for myself."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "This is the worst birth control choice ever! I was originally on a generic form of Yazmin and decided to try a lighter dose because of weight gain/decreased sex drive. I also started to break out around my period and knew this was supposed to help with acne. Well, it didn’t. My forehead now has little bumps under the skin that go away and come back in a week! I’ve been super emotional, and I cry almost every day since starting my second pack, and my migraines are so much worse! I don’t have a history of depression. It takes a lot for me to cry! Now I can’t control it! And to top it all off, I’ve been spotting for a week and a half. I’m done with this pill and not taking the last 2 of my 2nd pack."

• Hao...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2013

For Acne "I reviewed this in January 2013, and I have been taking this for about 9 months now. I still like it. Keeps me un-pregnant, and my acne has significantly improved. The only time I break out is a couple of times around my period cycle. Some side effects I do not enjoy are monthly yeast infections and tiredness. But I eat yogurt and take AZO pills for the yeast infections, and that seems to work. Need to figure out what to do about the tiredness, I need a nap every day now. My sex drive has also dropped. I feel I have mellowed out a little too, I don't get as irritated with things and am more chill. I like it."

• Cca...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 22 years old, and my doctor prescribed me Gianvi birth control because I had bad acne. It definitely took a couple of months before I noticed a difference, and I will say it did clear my acne. I’ve been taking Gianvi for 8 months. However, this pill KILLED my sex drive. Like zero sex drive. I dried up like a raisin, and sex would be painful. I finally decided it had to be linked to my birth control and called my doctor to switch me to a different pill. Other than absolutely no sex drive, this pill was okay. I did not experience any weight gain or shifts in my mood. But going from a normal active sex drive to absolute zero is a huge reason to get off of it, at least for me."